This is the fourth article in a four-part series on the three decans of each zodiac sign.

Most people are familiar with the basic traits of the twelve zodiac signs, especially if you pay attention to your daily horoscope. But how are twelve signs supposed to describe all the different, unique individuals on earth?

The Sun sign is only part of a full natal chart. The rising sign (or ascendant) and the Moon sign are equally important factors in your personality. In fact, all twelve signs, the planets, certain asteroids, and other factors come together in infinite combinations to make everyone’s chart unique. But if you don’t have access to your complete birth chart, you can always learn more about your Sun sign.

That's where decans come in. But what is a decan in astrology?

Each zodiac sign is divided into three decans or periods of about ten days. The decans describe the different ways that someone can display the qualities associated with the Sun sign. While each zodiac sign is ruled by one of the planets, each decan has its own planet as well, combining that energy with the sign’s ruling planet and changing the perspective accordingly.

If you've ever felt that your horoscope isn't specific enough or that your personality differs from someone with the same zodiac sign as you, checking your decan number is a great way to learn more information about yourself and your sign.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

Usually patient and reserved, Taurus’ temper tends to be more volatile than usual in Decan 1. This is the most talkative version of Taurus as well, and while they’re not always the most eloquent speakers or writers (shyness may prevent them from really putting themselves out there), they do manage to get their point across clearly and succinctly, with a good sense of humor.

Decan 2 (May 1 – May 10)

Here is where the legendary Taurus patience really shines. Decan 2 Taurus is even-tempered and intelligent, and probably gets labeled as the official “adult” of any group.

They choose their closest companions carefully: self-pity, shallowness, and frivolity will really turn them off. If they can’t find a friend who meets their standards, they have no problem spending time alone.

Decan 3 (May 11 – May 20)

All Taurus natives are attracted to beauty, luxury, and the arts, but in Decan 3, this affinity becomes a true creative talent, and many of them become artists.

They tend to be more eccentric than other Taureans, but this doesn’t mean that they’re subject to chaotic forces — far from it. Determined and stubborn, once they get started on a new project, very little can deter them from seeing it through.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

Naturally skeptical, with a dark sense of humor and a taste for irony, Decan 1 Virgo’s sharp mind can cut to the heart of any matter and see the underlying patterns and problems. Some people might say that they’re too smart for their own good.

Once they finally relax and let their guard down, Virgo 1 often turns out to be one of the most fun-loving versions of this sign.

Decan 2 (September 3 – September 12)

Virgos in general tend to be closed-off emotionally and need a friend’s coaching to work out their feelings. In Decan 2, though, they often default to solitude when something goes wrong, preferring to suffer alone rather than bother anyone else with their problems.

Mental puzzles, games and research projects can help draw them out of their shell and give them a sense of support.

Decan 3 (September 13 – September 22)

The Virgo perfectionism reaches its peak in Decan 3. They second-guess everything, especially themselves. They have a strong need to know the truth about everything, and have trouble accepting grey areas and subjective knowledge.

Not much can get them down for long, though. They’re quite happy pursuing facts and tend to be more optimistic than other Virgo natives.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

As Capricorn begins, Sagittarius’ energy lingers, giving Decan 1 Capricorns a whimsical, creative flair. They won’t hesitate to get down to business, though, and it’s not uncommon for them to turn their artistic talents into money.

Every project they work on tends to become a big deal (even if just in their own mind).

Tirelessly working to reach their lofty ambitions, they hold themselves and everyone around them to the same high standards. It’s worth it, though. When they finally succeed (and you can bet they will), the celebration is just as grand and impressive as all the work that led up to it.

Decan 3 (January 13 – January 21)

Here’s where Capricorn can finally relax a little bit. Decan 3 natives don’t feel like they have to prove anything. They’ve already mastered what they need to know, and if they have to learn something new, they know they can trust their quick mind to absorb and adapt quickly.

The work will still get done, but it doesn’t always have to be a big, serious ordeal. There’s nothing wrong with trying to make a job more fun.

Trudi Mentior grew up in Great Falls, Montana, where she spent her formative years wondering just what might be beyond those vast plains, on the other side of those distant mountains. She now lives in Vancouver, Washington, with her husband, three cats, and a loudmouthed hyacinth macaw (who loves to scare the cats).